Three weeks ago you told me it was not so; I pray God that may be true still.

I know that you would not lift a finger against him yourself--" (Ralph glanced at his own neat little list at these words, and bit his pen)--"but I wish you to do what you can for him and for us all." Then followed an erasure.
Ralph carried the paper to the window, flattened it against the panes and read clearly the words, "If my" under the scratching lines, and smiled to himself as he guessed what the sentence was that she was beginning.
Then the letter continued.
"I hear on good authority that there is something against him.

He will not escape; and will do nothing on such hearsay, but only tells us to trust God, and laughs at us all.

Good Mr.Torridon, do what you can.
Your loving friend, B.A." Ralph went back from the window where he was still standing, and sat down again, bending his head into his hands.

He had no sort of scruples against lying as such or betraying Mr.More's private conversation; his whole training was directed against such foolishness, and he had learnt at last from Cromwell's incessant precept and example that the good of the State over-rode all private interests.